Laby Party vice chair demands ₦50bn, public apology from Peter Obi
By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta
The Deputy National Chairman (South West) of the Labour Party, Abayomi Arabambi, has sent a pre-action demand letter to the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi. In the letter, dated July 3, 2026, he is seeking a public retraction, an apology, and ₦50 billion in damages over an alleged defamatory statement made by Obi during a podcast interview.
The letter, drafted by Neplus Ultra Attorneys and signed by Anderson U. Asemota, Peter O. Asimegbe, and Stanley C. Eziefulle, alleges that Obi claimed Arabambi “does not have an address.” Arabambi’s legal team argues that this statement is false and malicious, suggesting it renders their client as a faceless individual lacking credibility and legitimacy in public life.
The legal representatives maintained that the interview was widely disseminated across various platforms, including television and social media networks such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp, leading to significant public ridicule of Arabambi.
“Our client has a known residential and business address, and maintains professional and political affiliations within Nigeria,” the letter stated. It emphasized that Arabambi is not a person whose identity is ambiguous or unrecognized.
The letter further contends that the remarks made in the interview damaged Arabambi’s reputation, resulting in embarrassment and public scorn. It argued that the common interpretation of the statement by reasonable viewers was detrimental to Arabambi’s identity and public standing.
Arabambi’s attorneys noted that the reactions on social media indicate a collective understanding of the alleged remark as an attack on his integrity. They asserted that Obi, given his prominent position, should have exercised greater caution in making remarks that could harm another individual’s reputation.
The letter accused Obi of acting with both express and implied malice, stating he was fully aware of the potential audience for his comments. “Our client has suffered considerable humiliation and injury to his reputation,” it continued. “The defamatory publication has diminished his standing in political and social circles.”
As part of their demands, Arabambi’s legal team has requested that Obi issue a clear retraction of the alleged defamatory statement within seven days. They also seek an unreserved public apology to be broadcast on national television and published on Obi’s verified social media accounts, as well as in several major newspapers including Vanguard, The Punch, The Guardian, THISDAY, and The Nation.
Additionally, Arabambi is seeking ₦50 billion in compensation for damage to his reputation, dignity, and public image. The letter calls for Obi to refrain from making further defamatory statements and to preserve all materials related to the podcast, including recordings and transcripts, warning that any evidence destruction could impact future legal proceedings.
The solicitors indicated that failure to comply with these demands could lead to legal action, which would include claims for damages and an injunction to prevent further defamatory statements. They emphasized that Arabambi would prefer an out-of-court resolution, but reiterated the legal right to protect one’s reputation against false publications.